Michael Gerson

President Bush's chief speechwriter, Michael Gerson, had angioplasty to open two partly blocked coronary arteries after suffering chest pains, the White House said. "Mike is resting comfortably and is in good spirits," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. "He underwent successful angioplasty and received two coronary stents to reopen partially blocked vessels."

The man who has been putting words in President Bush's mouth for the last seven years said Wednesday that he is leaving the White House. Michael Gerson, who went from chief speechwriter in the first term to senior advisor in the second, wants to pursue other writing and policy work, said Bush spokesman Ken Lisaius. Gerson's departure follows those of other longtime aides, including Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card and Press Secretary Scott McClellan.

The transition team? A moving van. The inaugural address? A few impromptu words of thanks delivered from the front step of the winner's new address. The lame duck? Dispossessed within hours. Once again Friday, Britain lived up to its reputation as the slickest political scene-shifter in the West. Within 14 hours after voting ended, a new government--and a new era--was up and running. Polls closed at 10 p.m. Thursday, and by 3 a.m.

Among the 17 White House staff members who earn the top salary of $157,000 are national security advisor Condoleezza Rice, Press Secretary Scott McClellan and senior advisor Karl Rove, according to figures obtained by the Washington Post. The average salary for a White House staffer was $67,075. But the list of 431 employees also showed that the lowest-paid workers, such as staff assistants, earn about $30,000. And one employee, former Secretary of State James A.

The popular child wizard Harry Potter, the fictional character capturing imaginations and bestseller lists worldwide, has angered two parents concerned that the books are being read aloud in Moorpark classes. Teresa and Dominic Schmidt, parents of fourth-grader Brandon Schmidt, withdrew their son from Walnut Creek Elementary School last week after learning the Potter books were being featured in his class. The couple say the books encourage rebellion.

President Bush made the decision to go to war during a marathon meeting Wednesday afternoon in the Oval Office with his top security officials -- the third time in the day he had met with military planners. The unscheduled meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Gen. Richard B. Myers, CIA Director George J. Tenet, national security advisor Condoleezza Rice and others, which began around 3:40 p.m.